Markets are finally widening beyond the high-flying tech crowd. Since 2026 has kicked off, cyclical areas, industrials, healthcare, and small caps have outperformed, while the tech-heavy indexes have cooled. The so-called “Magnificent Seven,” including Apple (AAPL), still account for a large share of market value and are forecast to grow earnings far faster than the rest of the index. The current rotation has investors questioning whether Apple’s premium valuation is justified. For example, Morgan Stanl ...

Core Viewpoint - Apple is expected to report solid earnings for the quarter ending December 31, with consensus estimates for earnings per share between $2.32 and $2.38 and revenue around $131 billion, driven by strong iPhone demand and resilient services growth [1]. Group 1: Earnings Expectations - Wall Street anticipates a stable quarter for Apple, with shares trading around $245, indicating that investors have priced in expected results but remain sensitive to surprises in reported results or guidance [2]. - Key metrics such as iPhone sales trends will be closely monitored to assess demand for Apple's flagship product during the holiday quarter, especially for the latest models [3]. Group 2: Revenue and Guidance Focus - Services revenue is expected to be a significant focus, as it may drive profitability and act as a buffer against hardware cyclicality [4]. - Guidance for the current quarter and fiscal year will be scrutinized for insights into supply chain issues, inventory levels, and shifts in consumer spending patterns [4]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Predictions - Analysts will evaluate Apple's commentary on artificial intelligence integrations and update expectations for gross margins due to recent cost pressures in the technology sector [5]. - Predictions suggest that if Apple reports results slightly above consensus and provides steady guidance, shares could rise to the $255 to $270 range post-earnings [6]. - Historically, Apple stock has responded positively to earnings beats during the December quarter, but if expectations are merely met without strong guidance, the stock may fluctuate around $240 to $250 [8].

Group 1 - Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly driven the rally in tech stocks, with the Nasdaq Composite surging by 115% over the past three years due to heavy spending on AI hardware and software solutions [1] - Apple has underperformed the broader tech sector, with its stock rising only 89% compared to the Nasdaq's triple-digit gains, primarily due to the lack of groundbreaking AI-related initiatives [2] - Despite recent underperformance, Apple is expected to benefit from the proliferation of AI, making it a potentially smart long-term investment for patient investors [2] Group 2 - AI is projected to become a growth driver for Apple, with the global smartphone market expected to see a 2% shipment growth in 2025, while Apple's iPhone shipments grew by 10% last year, giving it a 20% market share [4] - The success of Apple's latest iPhone lineup, which includes the Apple Intelligence suite of features, has contributed to its robust growth and increased user adoption [5] - Apple is enhancing its AI offerings, including improvements to its Siri voice assistant through collaboration with Alphabet's Gemini large language model, which could lead to monetization opportunities for Apple [6][7] Group 3 - The partnership with Alphabet's Gemini could be beneficial for both companies, as it allows Apple to enhance its devices while potentially sharing in subscription revenue from Alphabet's monetization efforts [7] - Alphabet's Gemini is gaining traction in the generative AI space, competing with OpenAI's ChatGPT, and the partnership may help both companies capitalize on the intelligent virtual assistant market, projected to generate nearly $179 billion in revenue by 2034 [8]

Core Insights - The article discusses the implications of U.S. foreign policy changes, particularly under the Trump administration, on investment strategies, emphasizing the need for diversification and reassessment of investment portfolios [1][4]. Group 1: Diversification - Many investors may not realize their exposure to a few corporations due to overlapping holdings in multiple index funds, such as the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Russell 1000, with companies like Apple (AAPL) being a significant part of each index [2]. - The interconnected supply chains of mega-cap companies, exemplified by Apple's reliance on parts from Taiwan and China, highlight the risks posed by geopolitical tensions, such as a potential conflict between China and Taiwan, which could severely impact stock performance [3]. Group 2: Geopolitical Risks - The capture of Maduro in Venezuela is seen as part of broader geopolitical tensions, including issues involving China, Taiwan, Russia, and Ukraine, which could lead to increased unpredictability in U.S. foreign policy and added investment risks [4]. - The unpredictability of the current administration's foreign policy actions may lead to heightened geopolitical risks for investors [4]. Group 3: Investment Strategies - Investors are encouraged to consider increasing their allocation to international stocks, as evidenced by the performance of the STOXX Europe 600, which returned 19.0% compared to the S&P 500's 16.4% in 2025 [5]. - Establishing an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is recommended for all investors to outline their return objectives, risk tolerance, and other constraints, ensuring a structured approach to investment [6].

Core Insights - The demand for Apple's iPhone Air, which emphasizes extreme thinness, is significantly lower than expected, leading to supply chain cutbacks and anticipated component discontinuation by the end of 2025 [1][3] - The iPhone Air's reliance on eSIM technology has not resonated with mainstream consumers due to compromises in battery life, heat management, and other core specifications [1][3] - The slow adoption of eSIM in mobile devices is attributed to user habits, conservative manufacturer strategies, and insufficient cooperation from telecom operators [3][4] eSIM Technology in Mobile Devices - Current mobile devices featuring eSIM, such as OPPO Find X9 Pro and Huawei Mate 80 RS, still support physical SIM cards, indicating a cautious approach from manufacturers [4] - The reluctance to fully embrace eSIM technology is influenced by concerns over user control by telecom operators and uneven global infrastructure support [4] - eSIM is currently viewed as an additional feature rather than a core necessity in mobile devices, as users are accustomed to the convenience of physical SIM cards [4] Shift to AR Smart Glasses - As eSIM faces challenges in mobile applications, the industry is exploring its potential in AR smart glasses, which align better with eSIM's capabilities [5][7] - Thunderbird Innovation's AR glasses, featuring eSIM technology, have received significant investment from Chinese telecom operators, marking a strategic entry into the AR market [6] - The design of AR glasses, which prioritizes extreme thinness, benefits from eSIM's lack of a physical card slot, allowing for more compact designs [7] Market Potential and Challenges - The integration of eSIM in AR glasses is seen as having a clearer potential for adoption compared to mobile devices, given the alignment of form factor and use cases [7][9] - However, the current focus in the AR industry remains on optical display and spatial computing capabilities, with communication technology being a secondary priority [8] - The successful scaling of eSIM in AR devices may depend on advancements in technology and market conditions, such as seamless cross-operator functionalities [9]

Group 1: Industry Insights - OpenAI's first hardware device, an AI audio headset, is expected to achieve a shipment volume of 40 to 50 million units in its first year [1] - The global AI hardware market is projected to reach $301.43 billion by 2026, indicating a significant growth opportunity as OpenAI's entry may shift competition from cloud-based models to edge computing applications [1] - Major tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are already investing in AI endpoints, while companies like Feishu and DingTalk are entering niche markets through partnerships [1] Group 2: Company Developments - Guoguang Electric is focusing on the AI hardware sector, having achieved mass production in AI speakers, smart screens, and AR/VR devices, with current emphasis on developing AI glasses and headsets [1] - Tianjian Co., Ltd. is allocating its R&D expenses towards upgrading its team and facilities, as well as advancing various new projects including AI glasses, headsets, and smart speakers [1]

记者｜曹恩惠 编辑｜张伟贤 复牌归来的创维集团（00751.HK），股价一飞冲天。 1月21日，创维集团港股股价大幅高开，盘中股价最高涨逾43%，市值重新突破百亿元。截至收盘，其 股价报收7.12港元，涨幅37.45%。 截至1月21日收盘，创维集团港股股价为7.12港元。 图片来源：Wind 1月20日，创维集团一纸公告宣布了重磅信息，涉及回购股份、私有化退市以及分拆光伏业务独立上 市。 根据公告，创维集团将向全体股东分派所持创维光伏股份，创维光伏将申请以介绍方式在联交所主板上 市。 具体来看，创维集团将以实物形式向所有股东（包括控股股东黄氏一致行动集团）分派公司所持有的创 维光伏股份，每股可获发0.3699779股创维光伏股份。 值得一提的是，创维集团将通过计划安排进行股份回购，注销计划股份，计划股东可选择每股计划股份 获4.03港元现金或1股新股份。分派、创维光伏上市及股份回购的完成互为条件，将同日或大致同日发 生。而创维集团在公告中进一步表示，如果所有计划股东都以现金选择形式获得，此次交易的现金代价 最高超过25亿元。 创维光伏业务独立分拆上市，是此次创维集团调整上市布局的重要内容。也因此，该集团光伏 ...

Core Viewpoint - Skyworth Group's stock price surged significantly after the announcement of major corporate actions, including share buybacks, privatization, and the spin-off of its solar business for independent listing [1][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - On January 21, Skyworth Group's stock opened sharply higher, reaching a peak increase of over 43%, with a closing price of 7.12 HKD, reflecting a 37.45% rise [1][3]. Group 2: Corporate Actions - The announcement on January 20 detailed plans for share buybacks, privatization, and the spin-off of Skyworth Solar for independent listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [3][4]. - Shareholders will receive 0.3699779 shares of Skyworth Solar for each share held, and the company plans to buy back shares at a price of 4.03 HKD per share or offer one new share [4]. Group 3: Financial Performance - For the first half of 2025, Skyworth Group reported revenues of 36.264 billion RMB and a profit of approximately 365 million RMB [4]. - Skyworth Solar achieved significant growth, with a cumulative installed capacity of over 25.6 GW, ranking second in the industry, and generated revenues of 13.776 billion RMB with a net profit of 532 million RMB [5]. Group 4: Valuation Insights - The estimated value of Skyworth Solar shares is projected to be between 12.9 to 17.26 RMB per share, translating to approximately 14.18 to 18.96 HKD [5]. - The theoretical value of the shares received by Skyworth Group shareholders from the spin-off is estimated to be around 6.13 HKD, with a valuation range for Skyworth Solar between 9.031 billion to 12.079 billion RMB [5].

Over the past decade, Apple (AAPL) stock has astonishingly provided $847 Bil back to its investors through dividends and stock buybacks. Let's examine some data to see how this payout capacity compares to the market's leading capital-return companies.CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: Apple CEO Tim Cook delivers remarks at the start of the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10, 2024 in Cupertino, California. Apple will announce plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into Apple sof ...

Core Insights - TCL and Sony have signed a memorandum of cooperation to discuss a strategic partnership in the home entertainment sector, aiming to establish a joint venture to take over Sony's home entertainment business [3] - The new company will be 51% owned by TCL and 49% by Sony, focusing on television and home audio equipment, with operations in the global market [3] - TCL has seen a significant increase in television shipments, becoming the second-largest TV brand globally by 2024, with a projected shipment of 31 million units and a market share of 15.7% in 2025 [3] TCL's Growth and Market Position - Since surpassing 20 million TV shipments in 2019, TCL's market share has been steadily increasing, positioning it as a major player in the global television market [3] - By 2027, the combined market share of TCL and Sony is expected to approach 20% [5] - The partnership is anticipated to enhance TCL's supply chain capabilities, particularly in Mini LED and OLED panel production [3][4] Sony's Market Challenges - Sony's television shipments peaked at 21.5 million units in 2010 but are projected to fall below 400,000 units by 2025, resulting in a market share of only 1.9% [4] - The company has shifted its product strategy to focus on the mid-to-high-end market due to increased competition from Chinese brands [4] - Sony's reliance on external suppliers for high-end panels is expected to change with the formation of the joint venture, leading to a more integrated procurement strategy [4][6] Industry Trends - The trend indicates a clear exit of Japanese TV brands from the market, with Chinese brands expected to capture nearly 50% of the market share [5][6] - The joint venture is projected to further solidify the dominance of Chinese brands in the global television market, with a significant shift in market power anticipated [6]